Drawbar apparatus of an agricultural implement

ABSTRACT

A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural implements for conditioning soil, and more particularly to a drawbar apparatus for supporting an earth-working tool on agricultural implements.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In order to support an earth-working tool on an agricultural implement, agricultural implements commonly include rearwardly-projecting arms. The arms are pivotally mounted to a frame of the agricultural implement and are biased downward by spring structure so that the earth-working tool is engaged with the soil. The spring structure creates a down force on the earth-working tool. Each spring structure must be adjusted separately to change the down force. The down force changes over time due to spring fatigue.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, a drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar.

The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool.

A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the second bracket. The protrusion of the joint is configured to move laterally in the channel along the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

In another embodiment, a drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a first drawbar.

The first drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A first joint comprises a first bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool. A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool.

A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the second bracket.

A second drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A second joint comprises a first bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool. A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool.

A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the second bracket. The ball joints of the first joint and the second joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between the first bracket and the second bracket.

In yet another embodiment, an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a coupling mechanism for coupling to a vehicle. A frame is coupled to the coupling mechanism and extends from the coupling mechanism. The frame is adapted to be pulled by the vehicle. A plurality of wheel assemblies is coupled to the frame. The wheel assemblies support the frame above a surface.

A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a first drawbar.

The first drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A first joint comprises a first bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool. A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool.

A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the second bracket.

A second drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A second joint comprises a first bracket. The first bracket comprises a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool. A ball joint is coupled to the first aperture. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The second bracket defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool.

A fastener comprises a longitudinal axis. The fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The fastener couples the first bracket and the second bracket. The ball joints of the first joint and the second joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between the first bracket and the second bracket. The protrusions of the first joint and the second joint are configured to move laterally in the channels along the longitudinal axes of the fasteners.

In another embodiment, a drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement is disclosed. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar.

The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion defining a drawbar aperture.

A joint comprises a bracket defining a channel. The bracket defines a first aperture on a first side of the channel and a second aperture on a second side of the channel. The bracket is coupled to the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the drawbar aperture, the first aperture, and the second aperture. The fastener couples the drawbar to the bracket. The drawbar is configured to move laterally within the channel along a longitudinal axis of the fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an agricultural implement according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a zoomed in perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a zoomed in perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of an agricultural implement according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of an agricultural implement according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an agricultural implement according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement shown in FIG. 10.

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Further embodiments of the invention may include any combination of features from one or more dependent claims, and such features may be incorporated, collectively or separately, into any independent claim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an agricultural implement 10. The illustrated agricultural implement 10 comprises a coupling mechanism 15 for coupling to a vehicle (not shown).

A frame 20 comprising a plurality of mounting brackets 22 and a plurality of tool tubes 25 is coupled to the coupling mechanism 15. The frame 20 extends rearwardly from the coupling mechanism 15 in a direction opposite of a direction of travel 30. A plurality of wheel assemblies 35 are coupled to the frame 20. The wheel assemblies 35 support the frame 20 above a surface 40.

A source of hydraulic pressure (not shown) may be coupled to the frame 20. A disk gang assembly 45 and a coulter disk gang assembly 50 may be coupled to the frame 20.

The agricultural implement 10 may comprise one or more earth-working tools 55 (e.g., rolling basket, harrow, leveler system). The illustrated earth-working tool 55 is a rolling basket 57. Referring to FIG. 2, the earth-working tool 55 may comprise a first rolling basket 58 and a second rolling basket 59. The earth-working tools 55 may comprise a crossbar 60.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a drawbar apparatus 65 may comprise a first drawbar 70. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first drawbar 70 may comprise a first portion 75 and a second portion 80. The first portion 75 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 20 (FIG. 1) using the mounting brackets 22. The mounting brackets 22 may form a tight pin joint.

With reference to FIG. 4, a first joint 85 may comprise a first bracket 90 and a second bracket 95. The first bracket 90 may comprise a protrusion 100. The protrusion 100 may define a first aperture 105, 105′. The first bracket 90 may be coupled to the crossbar 60. Alternatively, the first bracket 90 may be coupled to the second portion 80.

A ball joint 110, 110′ may be coupled to the first aperture 105, 105′. Alternatively, a simulated ball joint may be used. A bushing may also be used. The bushing defining an enlarged first end and an enlarged second end.

The second bracket 95 may define a channel 115. The channel 115 may be configured to receive the protrusion 100. The second bracket 95 may define a second aperture 120, 120′ positioned on a first side 125 of the channel 115. The second bracket 95 may define a third aperture 130, 130′ positioned on a second side 135 of the channel 115.

The second bracket 95 may be coupled to the second portion 80. Alternatively, the second bracket 95 may be coupled to the crossbar 60.

A fastener 140, 140′ comprising a longitudinal axis 142, 142′ may be positioned through the first aperture 105, 105′, the second aperture 120, 120′, and the third aperture 130, 130′ to pivotally couple the first bracket 90 and the second bracket 95.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drawbar apparatus 65 may comprise a second drawbar 145. Referring to FIG. 2, the second drawbar 145 may comprise a first portion 150 and a second portion 155. The first portion 150 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 20 (FIG. 1) using the mounting brackets 22. The mounting brackets 22 may form a tight pin joint.

With reference to FIG. 5, a second joint 160 may comprise a first bracket 165 and a second bracket 170. The first bracket 165 may comprise a protrusion 175. The protrusion 175 may define a first aperture 180, 180′. The first bracket 165 may be coupled to the crossbar 60. Alternatively, the first bracket 165 may be coupled to the second portion 155.

A ball joint 185, 185′ may be coupled to the first aperture 180, 180′. Alternatively, a simulated ball joint may be used. A bushing may also be used. The bushing defining an enlarged first end and an enlarged second end.

The second bracket 170 may define a channel 190. The channel 190 may be configured to receive the protrusion 175. The second bracket 170 may define a second aperture 195, 195′ positioned on a first side 200 of the channel 190. The second bracket 170 may define a third aperture 205, 205′ positioned on a second side 210 of the channel 190.

The second bracket 170 may be coupled to the second portion 155. Alternatively, the second bracket 170 may be coupled to the crossbar 60.

A fastener 215, 215′ comprising a longitudinal axis 217, 217′ may be positioned through the first aperture 180, 180′, the second aperture 195, 195′, and the third aperture 205, 205′ to pivotally couple the first bracket 165 and the second bracket 170.

With reference to FIG. 2, a first extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder 220 comprises a first end 225 pivotally coupled to the mounting brackets 22 of the frame 20. The first hydraulic cylinder 220 comprises a second end 230 pivotally coupled to the first drawbar 70.

A second extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder 235 comprises a first end 240 pivotally coupled to the mounting brackets 22 of the frame 20. The second hydraulic cylinder 235 comprises a second end 245 pivotally coupled to the second drawbar 145.

The first and second hydraulic cylinders 220, 235 may be double acting. Alternatively, spring-protected linear actuators (not shown) could be used to eliminate the need for the first and second hydraulic cylinders 220, 235.

In operation, the coupling mechanism 15 of the agricultural implement 10 is coupled to the vehicle and pulled in the direction of travel 30. As the agricultural implement 10 encounters terrain changes, the drawbar apparatus 65 helps to keep the earth-working tool 55 following a contour of the surface 40 by allowing the first drawbar 70 and the second drawbar 145 to walk independently. The ball joints 110, 110′, 185, 185′ of the first and second drawbars 70, 145 are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between the first brackets 90, 165 and the second brackets 95, 170, respectively. This helps the agricultural implement 10 to more closely follow the contour of the surface 40. The protrusions 100, 175 of the first and second joints 85, 160 are configured to move laterally in the channels 115, 190 along the longitudinal axes 142, 142′, 127, 127′ of the fasteners 140, 140′, 215, 215′, respectively. This also helps the agricultural implement 10 to more closely follow the contour of the surface 40.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a joint 285 according to another embodiment. The joint 285 includes features similar to the first joint 85 of FIGS. 1-4 and therefore, like components have been given like reference numbers plus 200 and only differences between the joint 285 and the first joint 85 will be discussed in detail below.

The joint 285 may comprise a first bracket 290 and a second bracket 295. The first bracket 290 may couple the second bracket 295 to a crossbar 260 of an earth-working tool 255 using a plurality of fasteners 297. Alternatively, the second bracket 295 may be coupled directly to the crossbar 260 without the need for a first bracket 290.

The second bracket 295 may define a channel 315. The channel 315 may be configured to receive a drawbar 270. The drawbar 270 may define a first drawbar aperture 272 and a second drawbar aperture 274. The second bracket 295 may define a third aperture 320 and a fourth aperture 322 positioned on a first side 325 of the channel 315. The second bracket 295 may define a fifth aperture 330 and sixth aperture 332 positioned on a second side 335 of the channel 315.

A first fastener 340 comprising a longitudinal axis 342 may be positioned through the third aperture 320, the first drawbar aperture 272, and the fifth aperture 330 to pivotally couple the drawbar 270 and the second bracket 295. The first fastener 340 may comprise a taper 341 (FIG. 7) providing a clearance that allows relative movement between the drawbar 270 and the second bracket 295.

A second fastener 343 comprising a longitudinal axis 346 may be positioned through the fourth aperture 322, the second drawbar aperture 274, and the sixth aperture 332 to pivotally couple the drawbar 270 and the second bracket 295. The second fastener 343 may comprise a taper 344 (FIG. 7) providing a clearance that allows relative movement between the drawbar 270 and the second bracket 295.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a joint 485 according to another embodiment. The joint 485 includes features similar to the first joint 85 of FIGS. 1-4 and therefore, like components have been given like reference numbers plus 400 and only differences between the joint 485 and the first joint 85 will be discussed in detail below.

The joint 485 may comprise a first bracket 490 and a second bracket 495. The first bracket 490 may couple the second bracket 495 to a crossbar 460 of an earth-working tool 455 using a plurality of fasteners 497. Alternatively, the second bracket 495 may be coupled directly to the crossbar 460 without the need for a first bracket 490.

The second bracket 495 may define a channel 515. The channel 515 may be configured to receive a drawbar 470. The drawbar 470 may define a drawbar aperture 472. The second bracket 495 may define a first aperture 520 positioned on a first side 525 of the channel 515. The second bracket 495 may define a second aperture 530 positioned on a second side 535 of the channel 515.

A fastener 540 comprising a longitudinal axis 542 may be positioned through the first aperture 520, the drawbar aperture 472, and the second aperture 530 to pivotally couple the drawbar 470 and the second bracket 495. The fastener 540 may comprise a taper 541 (FIG. 9) providing a clearance that allows relative movement between the drawbar 470 and the second bracket 495.

At least one stop 543 may be coupled to, or formed into, the second bracket 495. The stop 543 may be configured to limit the orientation of the drawbar 470.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a joint 685 according to another embodiment. The joint 685 includes features similar to the first joint 85 of FIGS. 1-4 and therefore, like components have been given like reference numbers plus 600 and only differences between the joint 685 and the first joint 85 will be discussed in detail below.

The first joint 685 may comprise a first bracket 690 and a second bracket 695. The first bracket 690 may comprise a protrusion 700. The protrusion 700 may define a first aperture 705. The first bracket 690 may be coupled to a crossbar 660 of an earth-working tool 655. Alternatively, the first bracket 690 may be coupled to a second portion 680 of a drawbar 670.

A ball joint 710 may be coupled to the first aperture 705. Alternatively, a simulated ball joint may be used. A bushing may also be used. The bushing defining an enlarged first end and an enlarged second end.

The second bracket 695 may define a channel 715. The channel 715 may be configured to receive the protrusion 700. The second bracket 695 may define a second aperture 720 positioned on a first side 725 of the channel 715. The second bracket 695 may define a third aperture 730 positioned on a second side 735 of the channel 715.

The second bracket 695 may be coupled to the second portion 680. Alternatively, the second bracket 695 may be coupled to the crossbar 660.

A fastener 740 comprising a longitudinal axis 742 may be positioned through the first aperture 705, the second aperture 720, and the third aperture 730 to pivotally couple the first bracket 690 and the second bracket 695.

Various features are set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement, the drawbar apparatus comprising: a drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion; and a joint comprising a first bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool, a second bracket defining a channel configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second bracket; wherein the protrusion of the joint is configured to move laterally in the channel along the longitudinal axis of the fastener.
 2. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a ball joint coupled to the first aperture, the ball joint configured to enable relative pivotal movement between the first bracket and the second bracket.
 3. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastener is tapered to provide a clearance allowing relative movement between the first bracket and the second bracket transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fastener.
 4. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the drawbar.
 5. The drawbar apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earth-working tool comprises a rolling basket.
 6. A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement, the drawbar apparatus comprising: a first drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion; a first joint comprising a first bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled to the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second bracket; a second drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion; and a second joint comprising a first bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled to the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second bracket; wherein the ball joints of the first joint and the second joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between the first bracket and the second bracket.
 7. The drawbar apparatus of claim 6, wherein the protrusions of the first joint and the second joint are configured to move laterally in the channels along the longitudinal axes of the fasteners.
 8. The drawbar apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a first extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the first drawbar.
 9. The drawbar apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a second extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the second drawbar.
 10. The drawbar apparatus of claim 6, wherein the earth-working tool comprises a rolling basket.
 11. An agricultural implement comprising: a coupling mechanism for coupling to a vehicle; a frame coupled to the coupling mechanism and extending from the coupling mechanism and adapted to be pulled by the vehicle; a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the frame, the wheel assemblies supporting the frame above a surface; an earth-working tool; and a drawbar apparatus for coupling the earth-working tool to the frame, the drawbar apparatus comprising a first drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion, a first joint comprising a first bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled to the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the second portion of the first drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second bracket, a second drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion, and a second joint comprising a first bracket comprising a protrusion, the protrusion defining a first aperture, the first bracket coupled to one of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool, a ball joint coupled to the first aperture, a second bracket defining a channel configured to receive the protrusion and defining a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel, the second bracket coupled to the other of the second portion of the second drawbar and the earth-working tool, and a fastener comprising a longitudinal axis, the fastener positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture, the fastener coupling the first bracket and the second bracket; wherein the ball joints of the first joint and the second joint are configured to enable relative pivotal movement between the first bracket and the second bracket and the protrusions of the first joint and the second joint are configured to move laterally in the channels along the longitudinal axes of the fasteners.
 12. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a first extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the first drawbar.
 13. The agricultural implement of claim 12, further comprising a second extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder comprising a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the second drawbar.
 14. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the earth-working tool comprises a first rolling basket and a second rolling basket.
 15. The agricultural implement of claim 11, wherein the earth-working tool comprises a rolling basket.
 16. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a coulter disk gang assembly coupled to the frame.
 17. The agricultural implement of claim 11, further comprising a disk gang assembly coupled to the frame.
 18. A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement, the drawbar apparatus comprising: a drawbar comprising a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion defining a drawbar aperture; and a joint comprising a bracket defining a channel, the bracket defining a first aperture on a first side of the channel and a second aperture on a second side of the channel, the bracket coupled to the earth-working tool, and a fastener positioned through the drawbar aperture, the first aperture, and the second aperture, the fastener coupling the drawbar and the bracket; wherein the drawbar is configured to move laterally within the channel along a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
 19. The drawbar apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a stop configured to limit the orientation of the drawbar.
 20. The drawbar apparatus of claim 18, wherein the fastener is tapered to provide a clearance allowing relative movement between the drawbar and the bracket transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fastener. 